If you are on a short trip to Pokhara and want to unleash the adventurer in you without overspending, the Ghorepani-Poon Hill trek is just for you. It takes you along the ‘salt-trade route' of ancient times and through the unspoiled countryside of diverse communities.

In the five days of this journey led by expert and professional guides, you will get to explore beyond your expectations. It has been designed specially for tourists so that they can get the real feel of Nepalese culture, savour the beauty of Nepal's landscapes and witness the biodiversity within. However, it is becoming equally popular among Nepalese youths too.

The best part of this trek is that it is a part of the Annapurna Circuit trek and hence will be able to see several snow-capped peaks of three different mountain ranges, including the most gorgeous Mount Fishtail (a.k.a Machhapuchhre in Nepali). Depending upon your own preferences, it can also be customised, whereupon the actual cost may vary slightly.

Physicality: Medium

Physical rating

From relaxed (low) to ones where you need to be fit to join in.

Low

No surprises here. These tours/activities are those most anyone can do if they are fine with fairly flat walks and getting in and out of transport.

Medium

Like to be active, even very active, but not pushed too far. This is the one for you.

High

These tours/activities require you to be very fit. Probably not suitable for children.

Culture shock: Low

Culture shock rating

Some tours or activities are a total immersion ... others offer just a taste of a different way of life. Below is how we\'ve classified things to help you make a selection.

Low

Consider these tours or activities as unlikely to surprise. They will still give you fantastic insight into the destination and/or a great experience.

Medium

You might find yourself on these tours/activities confronted by quite a different way of doing things to that you are familiar with. Think food, language, customs, religions, mode of transport. For the slightly more adventurous.

High

Think things you probably wouldn\'t do on your own ...

Pickup location:

Pokhara Airport, Tourist Bus Park, your hotel in Pokhara, or any other convenient point in Pokhara

Drop-off location:

Lakeside or Pokhara Airport or any other convenient location in Pokhara. The location is negotiable.

Pickup time: (8.00 AM)

Drop-off time: (5.00 PM)

Itinerary

Day 1: Journey begins from Pokhara; trekking to Tikhedhunga (1,577 m)We drive to the roadhead at Nayapul from Pokhara, moving past the beautiful villages like Lumle, Kanre and Naudanda. Then we walk up the east side of Modi Khola (stream) for about half an hour, go across it at Birethanti to follow the Bhurungdi Khola along the northern side. We walk past Bamboo forests and waterfalls as well as beautiful farm terraces on the way.

Day 2: Trekking from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2860 m)We go across the Tikhedunga Khola at first and the Bhurungdi Khola. Then starts our climb on the stone staircases to a Magar village called Ulleri. The stone staircases laid on the steep, vertical trail are said to count more than 3000! If you think your travail does end here, that is not true. But the trail does become gentler, passing through pastures, farm terraces and forests to Banthanti. Onwards from here, again walk through big rhododendron and oak forests with cascading, crystal clear streams to Nangathanti. As we reach here, Ghorepani is only an hour away.

Day 3: Ghorepani to Poon HIll (3210 m) for sunrise watching and then to Tadapani. We wake up early in the morning and make it to Poonhill before sunrise to view the marvelous spectacle of sunrise and the vast Himalayan panorama in the fresh morning light. Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Nilgiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and so many other peaks dazzle you in the morning, in a panorama that covers more than 5oo kilometers of the Himalayas. Then we return to Ghorepani, have our breakfast and proceed to Tadapani via magnificent forest filled with rhododendron, pine, oak, bamboo and other trees. We will stop at Banthanti for the lunch. Tadapani itself is an extremely beautiful village with intoxicating views of Annapurna and Machhapuchre.

Day 4: Tadapani to Ghandruk (1950 m)We do a lot of going down today, starting vertically to Bhainse Kharka, which means buffalo pasture). From here, there are two trails to Ghandruk. One goes along the Khyuri Khola and meets Chomrong-Ghandruk route, whereas the other makes yet another steep going down to a steam and then follows a ridge to reach Ghandruk. Ghandruk is a big Gurung village, showcasing the Gurung culture and lifestyle. It also has a Gurung museum. The village also offers captivating scenes of Annapurna and Machapuchre.

Day 5: Ghandruk to Nayapul (trek) and then to Pokhara (by car) where the journey ends.We move down to Nayapul from Ghandruk via Syauli Bazzar walking through villages and farmlands and drive back to Pokhara.

Cancellation Policy

- A 20% cancellation charge is applicable to all cancellations and if made 7 or more days from trek departure.- Any cancellation made in the last 7 days to departure and/or any No-show will require a 50% cancellation charge.

Children policy

- Only children above 12 years of age and accompanied by parents are allowed.

Participant Guidelines

Participants are advised to bring the following equipment:

Sleeping bag.

Down jacket.

Gloves.

Warm hat.

Thermal clothing.

Suitable hiking boots.

Sun glasses.

Sun cream and a walking pole.

In addition, participants are required to provide 3 passport size photographs for the trekking permit.

Trip cost includes:

Ground transport

Food (3 meals a day, selectable from menu)

Accommodation (4 nights, in local teahouses)

TIMS and Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit

English speaking guide

Porter (for 2 or more trekkers only. Otherwise, the guide will carry one bag for a solo trekker)

Overall expenses including insurance of the guide(s) and the porter(s)

Trip cost excludes:

Bottled water or any other drinks (except for tea/coffee offered with meals)

Hot showers

Battery charging fee

Personal expenses

Tips and donation

Your travel insurance

Other Disclosures

Participants should be physically fit and in good health.

Participants must be insured to cover cancellations, accidents, health, emergency evacuation and loss/theft of/damage to baggage and personal effects.

Should an emergency evacuation be required, participants should provide the insurance policy details immediately to the tour operator. The tour operator will then communicate directly with the insurance company.